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Milwaukeeans finding jobs in Sheboygan

Scores of Milwaukeeans are finding jobs in Sheboygan County through The Joseph Project, a grass roots program inspired by Robert L. Woodson Sr.’s book “The Triumphs of Joseph” about community-based initiatives.

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Milwaukeeans finding jobs in Sheboygan

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Published 9:19 p.m. CT May 21, 2016

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Sheboygan County Chamber Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 18, to celebrate the grand opening of Novo Counseling, located at 1407 N. 8th Street, Suite #202, Sheboygan. Cutting the ribbon is Dione Gisch; pictured with her are Mayor Mike Vandersteen along with Chamber Ambassadors and supporters.(Photo: Courtesy of Deanne Schultz)

Scores of Milwaukeeans are finding jobs in Sheboygan County through The Joseph Project, a grass roots program inspired by Robert L. Woodson Sr.’s book “The Triumphs of Joseph” about community-based initiatives.

In the effort, churches host week-long class sessions to teach job-seekers the “soft skills” that help them in job interviews and in their beginning steps on the career ladder. If successful in the class, graduates are provided an interview with at least one of five participating firms.

The program has already changed several lives. Alumni of the program were invited to speak to the newest recruits to share their experiences.

Seeing the success and recognizing the potential of the program, the SCEDC recently gifted two minivans to nearly double the capacity of the initiative. Every week Greater Praise Church of God in Christ in Milwaukee makes 24 round trips placing 9,000 miles per month transporting roughly 50 people to work from Milwaukee to jobs in Sheboygan County.

Many individuals in Milwaukee are underemployed. Nearly all the participants in The Joseph Projects have jobs or access to them, but their employment choices are limited. Candidates in the project often must choose between a temporary staffing agency that cannot guarantee long-term employment or part-time work at local fast-food businesses or retailers. The Joseph Project provides a third option for those that are underemployed. This option includes long-term full-time employment with companies that provide insurance and retirement benefits.

The gift of vehicles coincided with the start of the eighth class since the program started in late September 2015.

The project is actively seeking more companies who would like access to long-term entry-level employees. Employers who are looking for full-time candidates that pay at least $12 per hour and benefits are encouraged to contact the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation.

This project is a partnership between Greater Praise Church of God in Christ, US Senator Ron Johnson and the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation.

RA offering motorcoach

Anyone in the Chicago area interested in attending this year’s Verizon IndyCar race at Road America, but not interested in dealing with the traffic, Road America will operate an IndyCar Express tour bus on June 26, offering VIP service from the Chicago area to Road America, and returning after the race.

For $90 each, riders get admission and round-trip service from Skokie, Ill., to Road America. Express bus service will depart from Niles North High School, 7700 Gross Point Road, Skokie, Ill., 60077 at 7 a.m., and return trips will depart from Road America at 4:30 p.m.

For more information or to reserve a spot visit www.roadamerica.com or call 800/365-7223. Small collapsible coolers are allowed on board. No carry-ins allowed and all bags are subject to search. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted.

Acuity named Minnesota Company of the Year

Acuity has been named the 2016 Company of the Year by the Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Assocation.

In selecting Acuity, the MIIAB recognized the insurer’s commitment to independent insurance agents.

This latest award adds to Acuity’s growing recognition by independent agents as a top company to do business with. Acuity was named Partner of the Year by the Missouri Association of Independent Agents in 2013, Company of the Year by the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana in 2015 and Company of the Year by the Independent Insurance Agents of New Mexico in both 2014 and 2015.

#Someplacebetter Summer Video and Selfie Contest planned

From now through Labor Day summer photos and videos of smiling faces, sunrises over the lake, workplaces, recreation and Sheboygan County scenery could win individuals $500 in Chamber Cash.

The Sheboygan County Chamber and Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation will use the photos and videos for marketing efforts, social media promotions, websites and more.

To enter, tag photos and videos shorter than 10 seconds on Facebook with the official hashtag #someplacebetter in the post. Visit www.sheboygan.org for contest rules.